The Cowboy Daddy Hero (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 1), page 6
“You need some help, baby girl?” He went over and gave her the toy. “You worked hard enough. You deserve it.”
Cat rolled over onto her back and stuck it in her mouth.
“She’s adorable,” Dakota said, drinking the last of her iced tea.
“Dessert, Dakota?” Johnathan asked.
She ruffled his hair. “Silly, you know we have dessert later in the evening. Take your plate to the sink now, since you’re finished.”
“Okay,” he said, his mouth drooping in disappointment.
After they’d done the dishes, Beau suggested, “Why don’t we stay inside this evening? Cat can play on the floor. That keeps her pretty happy.”
“Of course. I’ll get us some more drinks while you get her set up in the living room.”
Johnathan was in his room watching TV. Dakota had said that she’d helped him with his shower before Beau had arrived.
He sat on the couch and bounced Cat on his knee. She laughed, and he grinned at her. “You like that, don’t you, honey? You like it when Daddy bounces you.” He held her over his head, and she giggled again as she looked down at him. Again, he wondered just how much she could see. They had an appointment with her pediatric ophthalmologist in two weeks, and he couldn’t wait to hear what he said.
Dakota walked in with their drinks and sat beside him.
He got up and laid Cat down on the floor, then gave her one of her toys to chew on. “Be a good girl, now,” he said as he moved back to the couch and sat down.
Dakota handed him his longneck and raised her wineglass. “Here’s to a relaxing evening.”
He clinked his bottle with her glass. “Here’s to becoming much more than friends.”
She raised her eyebrow and gave him a seductive smile. “I’d say we already are.”
He laughed quietly. “I’m glad to hear that.”
She took a sip of wine, looking steadily at him, her lips quirked in a teasing smile. “I have high hopes for this evening.”
He threw back his head and laughed, making sure to stifle the sound somewhat. “You do? Well, so do I. It’s just too bad neither of us has an overnight sitter.”
She sighed and smiled resignedly. “True. That’s definitely something we need to work on.”
His pulse raced. She intended to sleep with him? He set his beer on the table, then did the same with her wineglass.
She grinned as he pulled her into his arms. He whispered, “I can’t wait.”
She kissed him, a deep, sensual kiss that went on and on.
When she drew back, he sucked in a breath. “Lord, you’re driving me crazy.”
She smiled. “It’s not just you. We need to make a plan—and soon.
He was so aroused he found it hard to think clearly. “But for now, we’ll make do.”
She grinned. “Oh, I like making do.”
He chuckled. “So do I. Come here.” He drew her close and nibbled her neck. She sucked in a breath, slipping her hand behind his head and drawing him to her. Her kiss was demanding, deep and wild.
Heart pounding, he thrust his tongue into her mouth, tangling it with hers in a sensual dance. She moaned and slipped her leg over his.
God, he wanted her on his lap—but what if Johnathan walked in? He groaned and tamped down his arousal, cupping her face in his hands. Her eyes were heavy-lidded with passion, and he wanted to kiss her again. “I’m afraid Johnathan will walk in on us,” he said.
She sighed deeply and drew back. “Me too. And he does tend to wander around when he’s thinking about dessert.” She grinned. “That guy likes his sweets.”
She settled back against the couch, and he slipped his arm around her shoulders again. Cat babbled from her blanket, and he smiled. This was still an awesome evening. He kissed Dakota’s temple. “Thanks for inviting us over.”
She patted his thigh, sending tingles of desire racing up his leg. “It is nice.” She glanced up at him and grinned. “I’m glad you suggested staying inside. This is fun.”
He grinned. She was always so candid. It was one of the things he liked most about her. He slid his fingers through her hair and kissed her gently. Then he looked into her eyes. “It’s a lot more than fun, honey.”
He felt a shiver run through her, and she nodded. “It is. God, you’re sexy.” She caressed his cheek. “You’re such a wonderful man. I’m glad you moved here. Just think, we might never have known each other.”
He captured her hand. “I’ve thought about that too. I looked at several other houses. Was it fate that I chose this one?”
She smiled and squeezed his fingers. “We were fated to meet. I like the sound of that.”
“We’d better make the most of it then, huh?” he said softly and kissed her again.
She slipped her arms around his neck and melted against him. She felt so damn good.
Then she settled back against the couch and sighed, the corners of her mouth lifted in a smile.
Johnathan walked into the room and said, “Can I have dessert, Dakota?”
Beau chuckled.
Dakota grinned and turned around. “Sure, Johnathan. Go sit down at the table.”
As the young man disappeared from sight, she leaned in and gave Beau a long, sensuous kiss. “I’ll call Michael in the morning and see when he can come for the night.”
Beau cupped her face in his hands. “That’s great. Just let me know. We’ll go out for dinner.”
He gave her a quick kiss. “And, Dakota? I can’t wait.”
She grinned and stood up. “Me neither, handsome.”
Chapter Seven
Dakota took a last look in the mirror and slung her backpack over her shoulder. She was wearing a brightly colored, flowing summer dress. It was comfortable, but the scooped neckline made it sexy too.
Stopping at Johnathan’s door, she peeked in. “I’m off now, Michael. Johnathan? I’ll see you in the morning, buddy.”
Johnathan tore his eyes from the TV screen. “Bye, Dakota.”
“Don’t rush back in the morning. I’m cool with fixing breakfast,” Michael said.
“You’re amazing. Thanks.” She waved and headed out. In case there was an emergency, she’d told Michael that she was just going next door.
As she walked over to Beau’s, her heartbeat picked up. Janey’s car was already in the drive. She knocked on the door, and when he answered it seconds later, she grinned. He must have been waiting.
He drew her inside. Without a word, he took her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
She smiled and glanced around. Janey must be back in Cat’s room with her. “That was quite a kiss. Miss me much, cowboy?”
He laughed. “I did, in fact.” He stepped back and gazed at her. “You look gorgeous.”
She smiled. “Thanks. It feels good to dress up once in a while.”
“You ready to go?”
She nodded and he led her out the front door. They were going out to dinner, and he’d kept their destination a secret.
When they got on the road, he said, “You ready to hear where we’re going?”
“You bet.”
“If you don’t like it, we can always choose someplace else, okay?” He looked a bit hesitant, and she wondered why.
“I’ve made reservations at the Sumo Japanese Steakhouse. It’s a place where the chef cooks your meal on an iron hibachi right at the table. Have you been there before?”
“I’ve been someplace similar. Sumo’s supposed to be awesome, though.”
“So you like Asian food?” He looked so relieved it made her smile.
“Of course I like it.” She reached for his hand. “Anywhere you take me would be fine, but I’m excited about going to Sumo tonight.”
“Great! I haven’t ever been there, but I think it’ll be fun.”
As they entered the expressway, she sighed. “I’ve had a busy day. I cleaned house most of the morning and then worked out in the backyard part of the afternoon. That always relaxes me. Johnathan took the sheets off his bed, and I changed all the bedding and did laundry.” She glanced at him. “Please tell me your day wasn’t like mine.”
“It pretty much was. House cleaning and laundry. The bane of my existence. I’m really glad to get out and spend the evening with you.” He squeezed her hand and gave her that smile that always made her toes curl.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the parking lot was packed. “It’s a good thing you made reservations.”
He nodded. “Their website said you pretty much have to.”
They were seated with three other diners. The chef hadn’t arrived at the table yet. When their waiter stopped by, Beau ordered a beer, and she asked for a glass of red wine.
They looked at their menus, and Dakota was impressed to read that the meat served was Wagyu beef, sourced from the restaurant’s own cattle ranch.
A moment after their drinks arrived, she spotted a man dressed in black with a red chef’s hat approaching their table. She nudged Beau. “I think our entertainment’s arriving.”
Beau looked over and grinned. “He sure looks the part. I wonder if he really speaks Japanese?”
“That would be so cool.”
The man stepped behind the hibachi and readied a set of knives. She glanced at Beau. “Wow. He could do some real damage with those things. They look sharp.”
“I’ll bet he’s good with them too.”
The man looked around the table. “Good evening. My name is Akio. Have you looked at your menus? Do you know what I’m making for each of you?”
She glanced at Beau and grinned in excitement. Akio definitely had an Asian accent.
Akio began taking individual orders at the other end of the table. While he listened, he began frying rice and searing small pieces of chicken.
Dakota was surprised at the variety of food as each person ordered.
Akio came to Beau.
“I’d like the ribeye, cooked medium, please.”
Akio nodded and turned to her.
“The scallops, please.”
The chef smiled. “You’ve all made excellent choices.” He added soy sauce to the rice as he mixed in the green onions he’d just finished chopping. The chicken was coming along nicely, and he added some kind of sauce to it and stirred it around on the hibachi.
She leaned against Beau and whispered, “This is so fun.”
He reached for her hand. “I was hoping that it would be like this. I’m glad you wanted to come.” He moved his arm to the back of her chair.
She enjoyed the cozy feeling that gave her. She took another sip of her wine as warmth swept through her. This was an amazing evening, and he was a wonderful man.
Akio dished up a small bowl of fried rice for each of them and smiled as he handed them out.
It was perfectly seasoned, and she nodded to Akio after taking her first bite.
He grinned as he dropped Beau’s ribeye on the hibachi. The meat spit and spattered noisily. Akio cooked with incredible flair, and Dakota and Beau exchanged amazed glances several times, even gasping as the chef sent flames high into the air at one point.
Dakota’s first bite of scallop made her moan softly. The lemon juice and garlic butter along with Sumo’s special seasoning made it one of the most amazing seafood dishes she’d ever eaten.
Beau smiled as he swallowed a bite of his ribeye. “Good, huh?”
“Oh my God. I don’t even have words to describe it.”
He chuckled. “Mine’s great, too.”
Akio shut down the hibachi and prepared to leave, so they all clapped and thanked him. He smiled and bowed before he walked away.
“Thanks for such a wonderful evening, Beau,” Dakota told him as he paid the check. “I loved this place.”
He smiled. “We’ll definitely have to come again.”
He helped her from her chair, and they headed out to the parking lot. As they got on the road, he reached for her hand and smiled. “Just think, the night’s only beginning.”
She laughed softly. “Sumo’s was great, but, hey, what comes next could be outstanding.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Could be?”
She grinned. “Okay, will be.”
He chuckled. “That’s much better.”
The way home was quiet but filled with happiness. The strong connection she felt with Beau made her smile every time she looked at him.
When they got home, Cat was asleep. Beau paid Janey and watched from the door until she was safely on the road.
Beau took Dakota’s backpack from where she’d set it by the door. “Shall I put this away for you?”
“That’d be great. Thanks.”
Beau returned and said, “I can’t believe you’re actually here for the whole night. I’m glad Michael was finally able to get his schedule arranged.”
“Me too. He said it should be easier to do overnights from now on.” She smiled. “Good news, huh?”
He led her to the couch. “It’s great news.” He sat and pulled her down onto his lap.
She grinned. “Well, this is new.” She put her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss. She could feel her pulse beating in her throat. God, he was so handsome.
He wrapped his arms around her. “Mm, you feel good.” He kissed her softly. “I can’t believe we have all night. No interruptions. No responsibilities.”
She ran her fingertips across his cheekbone, and his eyes darkened. He was getting aroused too. “You don’t get evenings like this much, do you?” she said.
He sighed and caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. “No, I don’t. Not since Cat was born. This is special.”
Tingles raced across her palm where he’d kissed it. She was glad that he thought this time with her was special. It was special for her too.
She kissed him, teasing his lips with the tip of her tongue. He captured it, taking it into his mouth, and she sighed. He was so good at this.
He pulled her closer, and she felt the hard muscles of his chest. He slipped an arm under her knees and the other around her back. When he stood up, he was holding her in his arms as easily as he would Cat.
She grinned. “Take me away, cowboy.”
He kissed her thoroughly. “My thought exactly.”
When they got to the bedroom, he set her on her feet by the bed. She picked up her backpack. “Just give me a few moments.”
He began unbuttoning his shirt. “Take your time.” Then he kissed her again, long and slow. When he drew back, he grinned. “I changed my mind. Hurry!”
She chuckled. “Where’s the bathroom, silly?”
He pointed to the closed door at the far side of the room. “Make yourself at home.”
She headed for the ensuite bathroom, still smiling. It was nice that Beau had a good sense of humor. It was one of the things she valued most about him.
Once inside, she quickly changed into the black teddy she’d packed. Then she brushed her teeth again for good measure.
When she walked out, Beau stood at the dresser taking his watch off. She bit her lip. He looked incredibly sexy in a pair of navy-blue boxers.
“You’re back,” he said and walked toward her. He pulled her into his arms and smiled. “Hi there, sexy.”
She slipped her arms around his neck. “Hello there, handsome.”
He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “I’m so happy you’re here tonight.” After a long sigh, he led her to the bed and drew back the covers. Before she could get into bed, he kissed her again, hard. She clung to him, struck by his need as she kissed him back, then slipped into bed.
He slid in after her and rested on his side, looking down at her. “I’m a lucky man to have a woman like you here with me. You’re sweet and kind and gorgeous. What every man wants.”
She smiled. “Thank you. You always make me feel incredible.”
He linked his fingers with hers. “Because you are. I mean that.”
She studied him, starting at his pale forehead and down his perfectly straight nose, then across the chiseled cheekbones she loved so much. His strong, masculine jaw was a straight line to a square chin that wasn’t in the least bit stubborn-looking. It all was in a perfect symmetry that made him a strikingly handsome man.
She traced his jawline. “You’re beautiful too. I know I should say ‘handsome,’ but you’re so perfect, so balanced. ‘Beautiful’ is what I think of when I look at you.”
He chuckled. “I’ve never been told that before.”
She smiled and touched his cheek. “Well, you are.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and drew her closer.
Her pulse grew faster. She looked into his eyes. “Let’s make love, beautiful.”
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”
He leaned down and kissed her slowly, gently, exploring her with his tongue. Excited ripples swept through her chest. He cupped her breast, squeezing it softly and rubbing her nipple with his thumb. God, he felt good. Suddenly she wanted to feel his skin against hers.
She reached for the hem of her teddy, and he smiled as he helped her pull it over her head.
He exhaled softly. “Let me look at you for a moment, honey,” he said quietly, his eyes moving slowly over her body.
She lay still, watching him, enjoying the sensation of being cherished.
He touched his fingertip between her breasts, then traced a line down her belly to the top of her tiny thong.
She shivered and sucked in a breath.
He leaned down and swept her lips with a soft kiss.
She kissed him back, tracing his lips with the tip of her tongue.
He took a shuddering breath and looked into her eyes. “God, I want you.”
She smiled and rose, quickly removing her thong. She straddled him, and he clasped her hips. He was hard underneath her. When she lowered herself, she could feel all of him.
He stared up at her, and she smiled and slid forward as she bore down on him. Then she slid backward. His hands tightened on her hips, and she knew he liked it. She kept moving back and forth, back and forth, watching as his face slowly suffused with desire.
His eyes squeezed shut and he moaned, then he stopped her abruptly. Through clenched teeth, he said, “Wait, honey. I need a minute.” His breath was coming in soft gasps.
